Nigeria Urges Faster AfCFTA Implementation for Growth

On Tuesday, during an AfCFTA Council of Ministers meeting in Abuja, Nigeria's Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, called for accelerated implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to drive industrialization and digital trade across the continent. Oduwole emphasized the need for member states to commit to concrete actions that would deliver tangible benefits, including job creation and economic growth.

She highlighted the importance of investing in digital public infrastructure and urged member states to adopt emerging legal instruments to modernize trade processes. Dr. Wamkele Mene, the AfCFTA Secretary-General, noted that the implementation of the agreement is gaining momentum, with a projection that Africa's total trade could grow by 10% by 2026.

He urged member states to ratify outstanding protocols and establish national implementation committees. Dr. Moham Saleh, the Chairman of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers, echoed the call for swift action to remove trade barriers and unlock investment opportunities.